‘Big Bugs’ infest Levis Commons during October

“I scared Miss Muffet and went up the waterspout, get stuck in my web and you won’t get out. Find me hanging out near Second Sole.”

This clue, given out as part of a scavenger hunt in Levis Commons every Saturday in October from noon to 5 p.m., takes guests to a giant spider. A 12-foot-by-12-foot web hangs from trees in front of the shoe store, displaying a 60-pound spider made of red cedar and black walnut.

Giant bugs like this one can be found in six displays across three blocks in Levis Commons, 3201 Levis Commons Blvd. in Perrysburg. They are part of the David Rogers’ Big Bugs Exhibit, a traveling exhibit of larger-than-life bug sculptures. Other sculptures include a damsel fly in the water fountain in front of Yankee Candle and a 1,200-pound praying mantis in front of Tea Tree Asian Bistro.

The sculptures by the Long Island artist will be on display Oct. 1-31 in an event sponsored by ProMedica.

The exhibit debuted at the Dallas Arboretum in 1994 and has traveled the United States since. The effect of the exhibit is a role reversal of dimension and perception, according to a news release.

“This ant that we usually shoo away or step on is now bigger than us. Just the magnitude of nature and insects … it just kind of brings all that to a head,” Pogan said. “When you walk up to them you realize the amount of time he spent hand-carving [and] polishing. They’re really pieces of art.”

Casey Pogan, Levis Commons Director

A kickoff event for the exhibit is planned for Oct. 5 from 2-5 p.m. featuring inflatables, a children’s John Deere gator racetrack and arts and crafts. Live music from Kelly Broadway and horse-drawn hayride tours of the bugs will be from 5-8 p.m.

Other events are planned for the entire month of October, including: every Tuesday is Kids Eat Free Day at Blue Pacific Grill; every Friday from 5-8 p.m. kids can decorate a bug-themed yogurt cup at Yogurt Vi; every Saturday at 11 a.m. Books-A-Million will host bug-themed storytime and “make and take” crafts; musicians perform live every Saturday from 5-8 p.m.; and horse-drawn hayrides are available Saturdays from 5-8 p.m. for $1 per person.

Pogan also encourages visitors to snap a photo of themselves next to their favorite sculpture and share them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #LevisBigBugs.

She said photos will be automatically entered for a chance to win a prize package courtesy of Levis Commons.

Pogan said the exhibit is intended for all ages.

“Even though [for] the kickoff event, we have a lot of family-friendly, children-focused activities, throughout the month it’s truly an art exhibit. Anyone that appreciates art of any sort or just a creative mind will really get a kick out of this,” Pogan said.

The exhibit plays a part in Levis Commons’ anniversary celebration.

This year is the ninth year for the outdoor mall.

“October is our anniversary month that we typically put a little more effort into what we have in our event calendar,” Pogan said. “So this plays into our ninth anniversary. Next year we’re not sure how we’re going to top it.”